Indiana coroners coordinate certain death investigations with law enforcement

Coroners notify law enforcement about certain deaths, and both sides coordinate the investigation. This applies when a coroner is notified that someone died from violence, casualty, or an apparently suspicious, unusual, or unnatural cause; died while apparently in good health; or was found dead. The agency with jurisdiction helps determine how the person died and conducts the criminal investigation. The coroner keeps the remains until the death investigation and medical review are complete. The coroner must notify the agency before the scene is disturbed.

Coroners and deputy coroners complete initial and yearly training, with penalties for failing to meet the requirements. Coroners must complete the initial course within six months of taking office; deputy coroners must complete it within one year of starting work. The initial course includes at least 40 hours and a supervised externship; annual training includes at least eight hours. County officials withhold pay if required proof is missing unless they adopt a resolution finding unusual circumstances, reasonable progress, and that withholding pay would be unjust. They must release withheld pay when proof is provided. A coroner or deputy who has not completed the initial course may not investigate a death or sign a death certificate. Knowingly or intentionally doing so is a misdemeanor. If a worker starts but does not finish on time, the county repays the training board and may recover the amount from the worker. The initial course is due within six months for coroners and one year for deputies. Yearly training begins after the year they complete the initial course.